America.gov-World Regions: Europe and Eurasia

Discovery to Deliver Heart of Japanese Lab to Space Station

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:10:55 GMT

When Discovery launches May 31, the STS-124 mission to the space station will carry the centerpiece of Japan’s laboratory complex and reach a milestone in NASA’s restructuring of its space shuttle program after the 2003 loss of Columbia. Ten flights remain until the shuttle is retired in the summer of 2010.

U.S.-Russian Relations Reflect Differences, Concerns and Promise

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:01:49 GMT

U.S. and Russian relations have notable concerns, but also a degree of promise. And the United States looks forward to working with the new administration of President Dmitry Medvedev, says a senior U.S. diplomat. The relationship will be guided by the Strategic Framework Declaration.

United States, Russia Sign Civil Nuclear Pact

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:50:28 GMT

Once nuclear rivals but today partners, the United States and Russia sign a pact allowing development of nuclear energy for civilian purposes and strengthening efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation. The agreement is signed by U.S. Ambassador William Burns and Rosatom Director Sergey Kiriyenko May 6 in Moscow.

Rice Urges Arab States to Do More to Help Palestinians

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:13:37 GMT

As Mideast peace talks continue, nations must join the United States in efforts to improve the daily lives of Palestinians and help them to build a future state, says Secretary of State Rice. Countries with resources and an interest in the establishment of a Palestinian state need to provide those resources now, she says.

Human Rights Concerns Prompt Continued U.S. Sanctions on Belarus

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:41:11 GMT

Belarusian youth activists meeting U.S. officials in Washington hear that the recent expulsion of U.S. diplomats from Minsk will not succeed in ending economic sanctions that were imposed to encourage democratic reforms. The activists are participating in a State Department international visitors program.

Press Training Changing Slowly in Russia, Journalist Finds

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:54:12 GMT

In Russia, journalism education remains rooted in the nation’s Soviet past, but change is coming, says S. Adam Cardais of the Global Journalist. He discusses how the Russian journalism education system has changed some since the fall of the Soviet Union and lays out the reforms he believes must still be undertaken.

New Intercountry Adoption Standards Implemented in United States

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:34:31 GMT

Following the entry in force in the United States of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security implement new procedures to help ensure that foreign children being adopted into the United States receive the highest level of protection.

Long-term Approach to Food Aid Problems Necessary, Rice Says

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:11:02 GMT

An integrated approach to dealing with food aid problems can help avert future food crises, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says. America needs to be able to purchase food in regions where it is most likely to be needed. Local purchasing would drive down transportation costs and be good for markets seeking local goods, she says.

United States, Russia Building New Economic Partnerships

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:22:44 GMT

On September 6, 2007, Muscovite Alyona Mikhailova made history by ordering a cappuccino, the first order taken at the first Starbucks coffee shop in Russia. For government officials and business leaders attending the new U.S.-Russia Economic Dialogue in Washington, it also signified their countries' deepening and expanding trade ties.

Sergeant Grodzka Mixes Courage with Compassion and Inspiration

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:24:45 GMT

Elzbieta Grodzka, a nurse with four combat tours in Iraq with the Polish Land Forces, proves that courage, compassion and inspiration can co-exist nicely, as can marriage, motherhood and a career in the military. Because of her courage and leadership in Iraq, she was nominated for the 2008 International Women of Courage Award.

Continuing Intellectual Property Piracy in Russia Raises Concern

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:56:04 GMT

Russia is named a “priority” country in a report on the inadequacy of intellectual property rights protection. Trade law allows the United States to retaliate against countries discriminating against its products and services. U.S. officials plan to monitor Russia on the issue as Russia seeks admission to the World Trade Organization.

United States Reducing Nuclear Weapons at an Extraordinary Pace

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:24:29 GMT

The three presidential candidates support nuclear arms cuts and strengthening the 1970 treaty governing nuclear nonproliferation. Current officials say the United States has the lowest level of operationally deployed strategic nuclear weapons since the 1950s after having retired or eliminated 13 types of nuclear weapons since 1992.

Forty-Year-Old Nonproliferation Treaty Under a Microscope

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:47:02 GMT

Nations that are party to the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty will gather in Switzerland for two weeks beginning April 28 to discuss the status of the venerable treaty regime. It will be the second of three meetings before they must make formal recommendations about the NPT during a review in 2010.

American University in Kosovo Training New Generation of Leaders

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:45:47 GMT

Kosovo is not only Europe’s newest country, but, with a population whose average age is just 22, its youngest. The American University in Kosovo is helping the new nation develop its economy and civil society by training the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders to take full advantage of Kosovo’s potential.

Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovative Solutions

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:41:01 GMT

What would you do if you were offered $1 million to build a robot vehicle that could drive at speed, park, avoid pedestrians and cars driven by professional racers, and obey traffic laws? A Virginia Tech student jumped at the chance to team with professional engineers outfitting a car with electronics and computers to do just that.

Activist Helps Women Immigrants in Finland

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:34:35 GMT

The life of a woman immigrant can be very difficult, especially in Finland. But Raija Ala-Lipasti is working to raise public awareness for immigrant women and political asylum seekers in Finland through her work as the executive director of Turku Women’s Center, an independent nongovernmental organization run by and for women.

U.S. Adopters of Foreign Orphans Undergo Tough Scrutiny

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:53:56 GMT

The United States adopts more children from abroad than all other countries combined. This is because of a culture of adoption in America, where a child does not have to be genetically linked to its parents to be loved, experts say. Strong institutional safeguards protecting children’s rights and well-being also play a role.

Bush, Great Britain’s Brown Call for New Iran Sanctions

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:24:18 GMT

New international sanctions are needed to convince Iran to suspend its controversial nuclear program, join international talks and benefit from a standing offer of support for a civil nuclear program, say President Bush and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at a joint press conference in Washington.

U.S. Wants Full Accounting of North Korea's Nuclear Programs

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:42:22 GMT

The Six-Party Talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons program have shown progress, but there is still reason for caution and skepticism. The United States and its partners require "a full account from North Korea of all its nuclear programs, including uranium and nuclear proliferation activities," Secretary Condoleezza Rice says.

Food Crisis Has Long-Term Global Challenges, Rice Says

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:00:03 GMT

President Bush is seeking an additional $350 million from Congress to provide immediate emergency food assistance, but the current food crisis has long-term global challenges, says Secretary Condoleezza Rice. "We need to encourage farmers and transporters, markets and governments to meet this urgent worldwide challenge," she says.

U.S. Committed to Building New Security Partnerships

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:22:02 GMT

America’s diplomats and military personnel are coming together in new ways to help friends and allies better safeguard their countries, improve area livelihoods and build regional security. Civilian and military experts are "building partner capacity" in many areas, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says.

Bush Orders $200 Million for Emergency Food Relief

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:43:45 GMT

Responding aggressively to a worsening global food crisis, President Bush orders some $200 million in emergency U.S. food assistance to address the impact of rising commodity prices on U.S. emergency food aid programs, meet unanticipated food aid needs in Africa and elsewhere, and help relieve political instability in some regions.

Former Soviet States Taking Tough Actions to Open Economies

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:06:14 GMT

Ukraine’s parliament ratifies the protocols to become a member of the World Trade Organization, making it the eighth former Soviet state to join. Other former Soviet states that are members are Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova and the Kyrgyz Republic. Russia also has applied for membership, which could come in 2008.

Rising Global Food Prices Likely to Continue, Say Experts

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:10:15 GMT

Sharply rising costs for food staples and fuel are leading to deadly clashes in impoverished countries and likely will continue for some time, international experts say. Rising prices are attributed to a combination of factors, including reduced production, low food stocks, drought and higher energy and transportation costs.

Even Finland Needs Women’s Rights Activists

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:07:45 GMT

Women in Finland were the first in Europe to win the right to vote, but even there women’s rights still need a champion. Activist Ulla Anttila, a former member of the Finnish Parliament, works to combat human trafficking and support the rights of the disabled.

Bush Administration Seeks $37 Billion To Bolster Diplomacy

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:11:52 GMT

President Bush is seeking more than $37 billion from Congress in fiscal year 2009 spending to strengthen U.S. diplomacy by helping countries build democracy, recover from conflicts and improve lives and livelihoods by confronting disease and poverty. Speaking before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, Secretary Rice outlines key priorities.

United States Seeks to Advance Economic Partnership with Russia

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:09:32 GMT

U.S. officials are optimistic that an improved U.S.-Russian economic relationship is in the offing. “We acknowledge the great potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment and the significant benefits this would bring to both our economies,” says a document issued after talks between President Bush and Russian President Putin.

NATO Summit Concludes with Commitments for Future Work

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:16:39 GMT

NATO transacted important business during its 59th summit in Romania that goes well beyond extending membership invitations to Albania and Croatia. The alliance affirmed its shared, long-term commitment to Afghanistan by agreeing to a comprehensive political-military strategic plan endorsed by its members and by NATO security partners.

Bush, Putin Chart Course Ahead for U.S.-Russian Relations

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:06:56 GMT

President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin chart the course ahead for their successors in their final presidential meeting, including steps toward a missile defense system jointly operated by Europe, Russia, and the United States. Bush and Putin also agree to step up talks on building a jointly managed regional missile defense system.

NATO-Russia Council Concludes 2008 Bucharest Summit

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:18:46 GMT

NATO leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirm areas of security cooperation, including airspace management, civil emergency planning, scientific cooperation and environmental security, and Russia announces that it will open a new shipping corridor through its territory for nonmilitary goods in support of NATO’s mission in Afghanistan.

U.N. Chief Pledges Long-Term Effort in Afghanistan

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:41:16 GMT

The United Nations will not leave Afghanistan as long as its presence is needed by the Afghan people, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says at the NATO Summit in Romania. Ban also expresses confidence in the new strategy NATO has developed to give its International Security Assistance Force a more comprehensive approach in Afghanistan.

NATO Foreign Ministers to Reconsider Ukraine's Membership

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:33:55 GMT

NATO leaders say that Ukraine's request to join the security alliance will be reconsidered at a foreign ministers’ meeting in December. A post-meeting communiqué of the NATO-Ukraine Commission says it "agreed that Ukraine will become a member of NATO." President Bush has announced U.S. support of both Ukraine and Georgia for membership.

Cooperation Often Overlooked in U.S.-Russian Relations

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:44:49 GMT

From his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Slovakia in 2001 to what will likely be his final official visit with the Russian leader in the Black Sea coastal resort of Sochi, President Bush has stressed the importance of building a close connection while navigating the complex relationship between Washington and Moscow.

NATO Pledges Long-Term Security Commitment to Afghanistan

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:00:07 GMT

The 26-nation NATO security alliance has pledged to provide a shared, long-term commitment to the security and economic prosperity of Afghanistan. "In helping the Afghan people build security today, we are defending our basic values we all share," an alliance communiqué says. Afghanistan has been a central issue at the 2008 NATO Summit.

Czech Republic, U.S. Agree to Missile Defense Radar Installation

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:56:04 GMT

Advanced tracking radar technology -- key to protecting central European nations against long-range ballistic missiles launched from trouble spots -- will be installed in the Czech Republic by 2012, according to a joint U.S.-Czech communiqué issued during the 59th NATO Summit in Bucharest, Romania.

NATO Welcomes Albania and Croatia to Alliance

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:12:47 GMT

Leaders from NATO’s 26 member states unanimously welcome Albania and Croatia into the trans-Atlantic alliance, a move that President Bush says will further the cause of freedom and security in Europe. “Both these nations have demonstrated the ability and the willingness to provide strong and enduring contributions to NATO,” Bush says.

U.N. Peacekeeping Vital to International Security

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:29:06 GMT

U.N. peacekeeping operations serve as crucial tools in addressing a wide array of threats to international peace and security, especially where direct military involvement by the United States is not necessary or appropriate, a senior U.S. diplomat says at a congressional hearing on U.S. support and funding for such operations.

NATO Securing a Future of Freedom, Bush Says

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:43:02 GMT

As a community of democracies, NATO has helped Europe become a continent that is whole, free and at peace, but alliance members -- “no longer a static alliance focused on defending Europe from a Soviet tank invasion” -- must work to meet the security challenges of the 21st century, President Bush says on the eve of the 2008 NATO Summit.

NATO Expansion Decisions Rooted in Shared Democratic Values

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:40:30 GMT

As Albania, Croatia and the Republic of Macedonia look ahead to membership at the Bucharest, Romania, NATO Summit, a review of NATO’s expansion shows how the organization has remained true to its roots as a security alliance based on shared democratic values while meeting changing security challenges, experts say.

Protecting Space Environment Remains a Critical U.S. Interest

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:03:34 GMT

As outer space becomes increasingly vital to economic prosperity and international security, there is a growing need for finding new ways to deal with debris caused by rocket explosions and anti-satellite testing of past decades, a U.S. official tells a U.N. meeting in Geneva.

Cassini Spacecraft Finds Basic Conditions for Life on Enceladus

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:01:08 GMT

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft discovers that Saturn’s moon Enceladus has the three basic requirements for the origins of life: water, organic compounds and a source of heat. The spacecraft studied Enceladus’ composition during a March 12 flyby that took it within 50 kilometers of the moon’s surface. The next flyby will take place in August.

U.S. Supports NATO Membership for Ukraine and Georgia

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:59:52 GMT

Ukraine and Georgia can count on U.S. support when they make an initial bid for NATO membership at the 2008 Summit being held in Bucharest, Romania, President Bush says. "I think it's in our interests as NATO members, and I think it's in Ukrainian and Georgian interests, as well," he tells Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko April 1.

Bush Accepts Putin’s Invitation for Talks in Russia

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:09:45 GMT

President Bush will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Bush attends the upcoming NATO Summit in Bucharest, Romania. In the April 6 meeting, the two leaders are expected to discuss missile defense and the future of U.S.-Russian relations.

Delegates to Upcoming NATO Summit Face Full Agenda

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:05:35 GMT

Like NATO summits of the past, the 2008 meeting in Romania, is composed of familiar elements -- consensus building, defining priorities, creating messages and laying the foundation for the future. But it is also about shared values and common goals. America.gov looks at the official agenda for the summit and at meetings and related activities.

NATO Action Plan Leads to Alliance Membership

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:21:34 GMT

NATO has an established route for aspiring members of the security alliance. They must be able to show that they can further the principles of the 1949 treaty that created NATO and contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic area, as well as meet certain political, economic and military goals laid out in the 1995 Study on NATO Enlargement.

U.S. Supports Albania, Croatia, Macedonia for NATO Membership

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:22:40 GMT

NATO expansion has been a major success in enhancing the trans-Atlantic security alliance and in promoting democratic institutions and challenging corrupt practices that inhibit economic development, says a senior U.S. diplomat. These successes would be enhanced by bringing Albania, Croatia and Macedonia into the alliance, he adds.

United States Seeks Negotiations on Weapons Treaty

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:00:26 GMT

The United States is seeking agreement in the Conference on Disarmament to negotiate a treaty that would ban production of fissile material used to make nuclear weapons and other explosive devices. Such a measure would enhance international security, says U.S. disarmament conference representative Christina Rocca.

What Kosovo Means for the Muslim World

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:21:37 GMT

“To be able to secure a Muslim-majority state inside the European whole is a terrific signal that the Muslim world and the non-Muslim word can live side by side in peace and cooperation,” says U.S. Special Envoy for Kosovo Frank Wisner in an America.gov interview.

NATO Is Confronting New Responsibilities in a New Era

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:46:59 GMT

NATO's mission today essentially is unchanged from the day it was founded -- providing for the defense of its members. "But how NATO fulfills this mission is evolving," Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried tells a Senate hearing called to examine NATO expansion and effectiveness of the alliance leading up to the April 2-4 NATO summit.

Missile Development, Proliferation Among Top U.S. Concerns

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:37:14 GMT

The heightened threat from advanced missile technology and the proliferation of missiles among countries of security concern are the major reasons the United States is pursuing a missile defense system, says a senior U.S. diplomat. The debate over a missile defense shield in Europe will be a featured issue at the NATO Summit April 2-4.

Spectacular Night Launch Sends Japan, Canada Devices to Station

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:59:27 GMT

Two space-faring vessels now are taking equipment and astronauts to the International Space Station. Endeavour left Florida in a spectacular night launch on March 11. On March 9, the Jules Verne, the first of the European Space Agency’s automated transfer vehicles, launched from Europe’s Guiana Space Centre.

NATO Is a Democratic Community Anchored in Shared Values

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:45:16 GMT

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Kurt Volker provides a preview of the Bucharest NATO Summit in April.

NATO Summit to Address Afghan Strategy, Enlargement

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:46:39 GMT

NATO is committed to helping the Afghan people realize complete security, economic prosperity and political progress, and to keeping the alliance a relevant force for security and peace. These principles form the centerpiece of strategic talks between President Bush and NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer during a White House meeting.

U.S. Consulting with European Partners on Kosovo Independence

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:37:44 GMT

The United States welcomes the Kosovo government's commitment to implement the far-reaching provisions of a U.N. plan that includes supervised independence and protection for ethnic and religious communities, a senior U.S. official says. The Kosovo parliament formally declared its independence February 17 in Pristina.

NATO’s Stake in Afghanistan Is High, Shortfalls Must Be Met

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:24:14 GMT

It will take a significant contribution by the international community to ease Afghanistan along a path where it can meet expectations. The coalition of U.S., NATO and Afghan forces has been working diligently to overcome the Taliban and promote security while fostering change in areas ranging from education to anti-corruption.

Marshall Plan Seen as Model for Well-Run, Short-lived Program

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Wed, 23 May 2007 16:04:01 GMT

Historians say the events of the late 1940s in Europe and the United States were unique so it is unlikely the Marshall Plan ever could be repeated in another setting. However, they also say the plan -- considered one of the great foreign policy achievements of the past century -- is well worth studying as the definitive model of how to organize and run a successful international government program. In the concluding article in a three-part series, USINFO looks at some of the elements of the Marshall Plan that contributed to its success.

Marshall Plan Placed Europe on Path Toward Unity

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Tue, 22 May 2007 15:59:44 GMT

The Marshall Plan, announced 60 years ago, set Europe on a path of cooperation that ultimately led to the formation of NATO and the European Union –- but at the cost of strengthening the Iron Curtain and heating up the Cold War. USINFO examines how the Marshall Plan’s requirement for economic cooperation set in motion a series of events and policy decisions that evolved into the modern institutions of European stability and cooperation.

Marshall Plan for Rebuilding Europe Still Echoes After 60 Years

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 21 May 2007 17:42:01 GMT

On June 5, 1947, U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall addressed the graduating class at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, delivering a 12-minute speech that changed the world. Within days, his remarks became known as the Marshall Plan. USINFO, in the first in a series of articles, examines the Marshall Plan and its long-lasting effects on Europe and the world.

U.S. Teams Up with French Institute in Pandemic Preparedness

Merle D. Kellerhals, Jr. — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 12:55:50 GMT